One thing that is a little different when it comes to these formats are the Rules that govern that form of play. The Rules of match play reflect the origins of competitive golf and the fact that this is a battle between just two players, two sides, and two teams. While the key concepts of the sport remain, there are some important differences between the Rules of match play and stroke play and there are a few other Rules to be aware of when it comes to the Four-Ball and Foursomes formats.
Concessions (Rule 3.2b)
So let’s have a look at some of these Rules, and start with Concessions (Rule 3.2b). The winner in stroke play is the player who completes the round in the fewest number of strokes and that means each player must hole out on every hole (Rule 3.3c). However in match play, you have the option to concede the next stroke of your opponent, something that is not allowed in stroke play. This can be done anywhere during play of the hole – from a tee shot to a tap in. It means you don’t need to watch your opponent tap in a short putt they are very unlikely to miss, and you can avoid having to continue playing a hole where you’re unlikely to be able to score less than your opponent. A simple statement or action that clearly shows your intent to concede the stroke, hole or match to your opponent is all that is required.
Order of Play (Rule 6.4a)
When it comes to order of play, you may have seen and experienced “ready golf” in stroke play, but during a match playing ‘in turn’ has a much greater importance as that can be an important part of the tactics of the match. It starts with the honour on the tee; the away side will lead the way off the 1st tee in each match, then the last player or side to have won a hole will tee off first on each subsequent hole. Continuing play of the hole, it is the player or side who is farthest away who plays first, regardless of where on the golf course their ball may be lying. This gives the player with the honour the opportunity to pile on the pressure with a good shot or they may open the door with a poor one. But why specify side?
Four-Ball Match Play was a format played at both the Solheim Cup and the Ryder Cup, and is often the most exciting to watch – there were birdies galore! But there are also more tactical decisions to be made in Four-Ball. The player who’s ball is farthest from the hole will normally be the next to play. But in Four-Ball, that side can choose which partner plays next (Rule 23.6); perhaps you have a five-foot putt for a par and your partner a 20-foot putt for a birdie – you can putt first to secure your par and give your partner a free go at holing their putt for the birdie!
But what if someone plays out of turn? If your opponent plays when it was your side’s turn to play, there is no penalty, but you can either choose to cancel that stroke and require them to replay the stroke after you have played your stroke, or you can do nothing, in which case their shot stands as played. It may well depend on the quality of the shot your opponent has just played! Either way a prompt decision is needed as if you decide that you want to cancel their stroke, you must tell them before another player makes a stroke.
Starting a Round (Rule 23.4)
Four-Ball also has some differences to the Rules that relate to starting a round. You may recall that Rory McIlroy needed some police assistance at Medinah in 2012 to make his tee time for his final day singles match; well had that been a Four-Ball match and had he been late, his partner would have been allowed to represent the side on his own until Rory arrived. In match play, Rory would have been allowed to start playing in the match at the next hole where no stroke has been made from either side (Rule 23.4).
Foursomes
Foursomes is another format played at the Solheim and Ryder Cups. The Rules for this alternate shot format allow either partner to act for the side (Rule 22.2) during the match. This allows either player to mark, lift, drop and place the ball under the Rules regardless of who is next to play and who has previously marked the ball. Perhaps more unexpectedly, these permissions also apply to Four-Ball (Rule 23.5).
Given the feast of team golf last month, there was much to enjoy. Undoubtedly, we saw some of these Rules in action during these most prestigious of matches.
